Dog shot 7 times dies, injuries too severe and painful

A dog found shot seven times and left to die in a dumpster in southwest Atlanta has died. A rescue group in Gwinnett County was trying to get help for Catie, taking her to the University of Georgia Vet school for medical help.

Neurologists ran tests and scans on Catie Wednesday afternoon. Within four hours they were calling the Society of Humane Friends, which was caring for Catie with help from donations. Doctors told SOHF Catie's injuries were worse than anyone realized.

The gunshots shattered her spine, her neck and left shrapnel lodged in her heart. She had damaged lungs which made it tough for her to breathe. And because she was paralyzed and couldn't go to the bathroom on her own infections were sure to set in. Doctors also told the rescue group Catie was surely in extreme pain. The toughest, yet the best, solution for her was to euthanize her.

The group decided it was best for Catie not to suffer anymore. They gave UGA permission to put the dog down.

The 3-year-old terrier mix came from Fulton County Animal Services.

Police found her on March 7 after a report of shots fired in the area of 520 Beckwith Court SW.

They searched the complex and despite many people being in the area, no one was willing to cooperate or provide information to police about who may have shot Catie.

FCAS rushed her to a vet where she was stabilized, but was paralyzed. Rather than euthanize her, FCAS put out a plea to area rescues. Society of Humane Friends of Georgia answered the call.

"It really upsets me that anybody would do that to a dog or any other, you know, pretty much helpless creature," Dr. Lori Chandler at the SOHF said. "This little dog is in pain. And I put my hand in there [her cage] and she just rested her head on my hand."

SOHF had hoped for the best, but realized early on it would be a tough fight for Catie. Volunteers believed if she survived she would eventually be happy again some day, even if she had to use a customized wheelchair for her hind legs.

Outgoing Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed has given mayoral candidate Mary Norwood 48 hours to apologize after she claimed voter intimidation in the December 5 run-off election between her and Keisha Lance Bottoms.

Outgoing Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed has given mayoral candidate Mary Norwood 48 hours to apologize after she claimed voter intimidation in the December 5 run-off election between her and Keisha Lance Bottoms.